Software Engineer - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Maintain and develop key existing beam instrumentation systems
• Collaborate with experts, operators, and multidisciplinary teams to understand needs and develop software solutions
• Contribute to adoption of modern AI-assisted software development tools and practices
• Maintain, support, and continuously improve existing beam instrumentation software systems
• Design, develop, test, commission, and maintain new and upgraded real-time software systems
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and mentor students or early-career talent
• Enhance performance, maintainability, and reliability of beam instrumentation systems through redesign and refactoring
• Design, develop, deploy, and optimize machine learning solutions for beam instrumentation applications

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in computer science, applied physics or a related field
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in software engineering with emphasis on developing deterministic software in a real-time environment; Experience applying AI and machine learning techniques to engineering, scientific, or software development challenges; Basic knowledge of electronics-based digital acquisition hardware
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (spoken…)
• Key skills: Development of software for embedded and real-time systems using Python and C++, Conceptualising, designing and developing new methods of exploiting measurement and diagnostic data, Development and deployment of machine learning and AI-based solutions for data analysis, diagnostics, and system optimisation, Re-engineering, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software, Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software, Achieving Results, Working in Teams, Demonstrating Flexibility, Learning and Sharing Knowledge
• Eligibility: Applications welcome from all Member States and Associate Member States

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 5 years, with possibility to extend up to 8 years and eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Hybrid.

Hiring unit: Beam Instrumentation group.

Position details

Reference

SY-BI-SW-2026-175-LD

Last Verified

7 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Software Engineer at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is SY-BI-SW-2026-175-LD. The role falls under the Information Technology domain.

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction:

You will take responsibility for the maintenance and further development of several key existing beam instrumentation systems. As automation, AI and ML continue to transform scientific computing and software engineering, you will play a major role in the coordination of our group’s efforts as we embark on an ambitious programme to apply these technologies to accelerator instrumentation, data analysis, software development, and system operations.

Functions:

- Collaborate with experts, operators, and multidisciplinary teams to understand needs, gather requirements, and develop effective software solutions. - Contribute to the adoption of modern AI-assisted software development tools and practices in collaboration with colleagues across CERN. - Maintain, support, and continuously improve existing beam instrumentation software systems. - Design, develop, test, commission, and maintain new and upgraded real-time software systems. - Contribute to knowledge sharing within the team and, where appropriate, supervise and mentor students or early-career talent.

During Long Shutdown 3, you will contribute to major modernisation activities, including:

- Enhancing the performance, maintainability, and reliability of beam instrumentation systems through thoughtful redesign, refactoring, comprehensive testing, and safe recommissioning. - Designing, developing, deploying, and optimising machine learning solutions for a range of beam instrumentation applications, such as anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, signal classification, and automated diagnostics.

- Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computer science, applied physics or a related field.

Experience:

- Demonstrated experience in the field of software engineering with an emphasis on developing deterministic software in a real-time environment. - Experience applying AI and machine learning techniques to engineering, scientific, or software development challenges. - Familiarity with large language models and AI-assisted software engineering, or agent-based systems is considered an advantage - Basic knowledge of electronics-based digital acquisition hardware.

Technical competencies:

- Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS: using Python and C++?. - Conceptualising, designing and developing new methods of exploiting measurement and diagnostic data with a view to improving accelerator and instrument efficiency. - Development and deployment of machine learning and AI-based solutions for data analysis, diagnostics, and system optimisation. - Re-engineering, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software. - Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software.

Behavioural competencies:

- Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations. - Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities. - Demonstrating Flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working. - Learning and Sharing Knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

Language skills:

- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 06.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions:

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-BI-SW-2026-175-LD

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

- A competitive salary(tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience. - 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure. - Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund. - Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances. - A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. - Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN -Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe!TAKE PART!

More information about us, here:careers.cern

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 August 2026, 1 day ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 7 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Information Technology field browse our Information Technology domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.